Newham Asian Women's Project

London Black Women’s Project

In 1981 Newham Asian Women’s Collective was established to support the needs of South Asian women in the area. The Collective identified domestic abuse as a key issue and found that South Asian women faced barriers to seeking support, such as discrimination from statutory agencies. In 1987 Newham Asian Women's Project was founded to provide support, advice and a women’s refuge. Newham Asian Women's Project received funding from the Newham London Borough Council and support from the Greater London Council Women’s Unit.

Newham Asian Women's Project was part of a group of specialist refuges that opened in the UK from the late 1970s to the 1990s. Some of these refuges were specifically for South Asian women while others sought to support all Black women. (In the UK at this time, the term ‘Black’ was used to describe all racialized minority people as a way to create political solidarity among those who experienced racist oppression.) There were several reasons why separate safe spaces were required. These ranged from catering for women’s dietary requirements, for example by having vegetarian spaces in the kitchen, to ensuring that women and children did not have to encounter racism from other women staying in refuge.

Newham Asian Women’s Project was originally designed for South Asian women, as it was felt that this was what was most needed in the community. However, this approach changed over time and in 2015 the organization changed its name to the London Black Women’s Project to emphasize that its services were for all Black women. The organization has expanded its services and in 2024 was running seven refuges. In addition, the organization works with local agencies to provide training and advice on the specialist needs of Black women.